The Rainbow Project via FacebookArts+Culture / NewsOutrage in Northern Ireland over proposed anti-LGBT billThe powerful Democratic Unionist Party wants to add a ‘conscience clause’ that would allow businesses to discriminate against gay peopleShareLink copied ✔️February 26, 2015Arts+CultureNewsText Thomas Gorton LGBT activists across Northern Ireland are in uproar over a planned legal amendment that would allow anti-gay discrimination. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) – the biggest political party in Northern Ireland – is trying to introduce a so-called 'conscience clause' to equality laws that would allow businesses to refuse service to LGBT people if they felt it was in violation of their faith. It all began with a fuss over a cake (FFS), when Bible-loving business Ashers Bakery refused to bake a gay Bert and Ernie cake with the slogan 'Support Gay Marriage'. The Equality Commission declared that their refusal was in breach of equality legislation and is taking Ashers Bakery to court, because it's obviously shitty to refuse someone service on the basis of who they love. But that isn't obvious to everyone. DUP politician Paul Givan believes that the bakery was well within its rights to refuse service to a gay customer. He has now proposed a legal clause to existing equality laws that would allow businesses to say GTFO to LGBT people. "Equality is about ensuring that everybody in society is allowed to live out their lives," said Givan in a statement last November. Everybody except you, gay people – duh! Givan's proposal is supported by DUP party leader and first minister, Peter Robinson. The Equality Commission believes that the clause will "significantly weaken" protection against discrimination for LGBT individuals, noting that there is also potential that the new rule could also weaken the civil rights of those who associated with LGBT people, such as family members, friends, or those who are perceived to be LGBT. Pro-equality ministers from Sinn Fein have opposed the proposed amendment. A petition to protest the clause has garnered 100,000 signatures in two days. The DUP has asked for feedback on the proposed law by Friday February 27, which is tomorrow. Tell them what you think and add your name to the petition here. Liked this? Head here for more stories on LGBT rights: Androgynous model Andreja Pejić comes out as transgender Scientists discover new evidence of 'gay gene' Cara Delevingne supports National Coming Out Day Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingInside Dazed League, a tribute to soccer in North AmericaFor the limited-edition zine, made in partnership with Nike, we connect with grassroots heroes across the US soccer scene to benchmark where we’re at as the tide turns on home turfDazed LeagueBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaDazed LeagueA brief history of Nike’s radical soccer DNABeautyThis film gives looksmaxxing men the body horror treatmentMusicWe are entering the age of intentional music listeningArt & Photography5 emerging photographers you need to knowBeautyNude awakening: Meet the young people embracing naturismFilm & TV7 films to watch if you loved Obsession MusicConfessions II: 7 raw and vulnerable easter eggs on Madonna’s new album Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy